In 4,000 films over 100 years, “Stagecoach” to “Pocohontas,” the depiction of the cliched “Injun” is achingly familiar. “Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian,” reviews the history of Native American stereotypes in a sometimes humorous way. The documentary film notes the use of Italians and Jews to portray Indians, and the fact that some Native American actors spoke in their native tongues in old movies, making fun of the white movie cast and crew (the director thought they were speaking gibberish).

“Reel Injun” by Neil Diamond, (the Native-American director, not the recording artist), will air Nov. 2 on PBS’ “Independent Lens.”

The films he saw growing up, depicting Indians as savages, were so absurd, Diamond said, “we all rooted for the cowboys.”

Sacheen Littlefeather, activist and actress (who refused the Oscar on behalf of Marlon Brando in 1973, said, Diamond is making a dream come true for Native Americans. “We are not cartoon characters, we are not mascots for football teams,” she said.

Joanne Ostrow has been watching TV since before "reality" required quotation marks. "Hill Street Blues" was life-changing. If Dickens, Twain or Agatha Christie were alive today, they'd be writing for television. And proud of it.